KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 29, 2021

It’s been six years since Southern Polytechnic and Kennesaw State joined forces to create Georgia’s second-largest university. The consolidation of the two schools created a total alumni base of nearly 130,000 living graduates.

In recognition of the history, legacy and traditions that were an integral part of SPSU, the Kennesaw State University Alumni Association has chartered the Southern Polytechnic State University Alumni Society (SPSUAS).

The group, which will be officially chartered on July 1, will be led by:

• President: Ericka Davis ('97), Chief Communications Officer for State Road and Tollway Authority, Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority, and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority
• Vice President, President Elect: Bill Leggett ('94), Principal Architect for HKS Inc.
• Secretary; Co-chair Student Success: Tiane McKoy Hamler ('12) Senior Administrative Assistant for Boston Consulting Group

When approached last year by KSU leadership about SPSU alumni engagement, Davis shared that having an affinity group for SPSU alumni would be the best way connect with alumni who had previously felt disconnected after the merger of the two institutions. As conversations continued, and it was clear that everyone was pleased about the idea, Davis was humbled and even more excited to be asked to serve as the founding leader.

“I owe my career to SPSU, and specifically the faculty who helped me discover my passion for technical communications,” she said. “When the leadership came to me about the idea of creating an SPSU alumni society, I knew that it was an important step in engaging SPSU alumni.”

According to Davis, the focus of this first year will be to engage with the SPSU alumni. “Our Alumni Society is committed to building the bridge that will bring our alumni back home,” Davis said. “Since SPSU joined KSU, many feel as if we lost our home, but we didn’t. The foundation of SPSU is rooted within KSU, and with the launch of this initiative, SPSU alumni can finally return to our roots and be members of this vibrant and active institution, this KSU family, that we are helping to build with the merger.”

Beyond the first year, the SPSUAS has big plans, including exclusive alumni events, SPSUAS tailgates, networking opportunities, and more.

In addition to the events that await members of SPSUAS, alumni will have the opportunity to engage with KSU and students in all of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) fields through scholarship and legacy building.

“We want to offer the opportunity to our alumni to be a part of what this whole society is about.” Davis said. “We want to build STEAM and DREAMS (Dedicated Resources to Empower and Mentor Students) by providing more scholarship opportunities for KSU STEAM students. We want to connect our SPSU alumni with KSU students who are studying in the fields they love, and we want to show our alumni how they can support STEAM departments so we can continue the legacy of SPSU.”

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.